"Miss Loretta."
She nodded.
"Mr. Pritchard."
He placed the portfolio on the counter.
"I understand you've been examining company records."
Loretta took a breath.
"I've been comparing meal deductions against my kitchen ledger."
Pritchard frowned.
"That isn't your responsibility."
She looked toward him.
"Those meals are my responsibility."
He smiled thinly.
"Preparing them, perhaps."
Elias stood near the woodpile.
He didn't interrupt.
Pritchard continued.
"The company handles payroll. Miners who disagree with deductions should speak to the payroll office."
Daniel Mercer rose from his seat.
"We tried."
Pritchard glanced toward him.
"And?"
Daniel's face reddened.
"You told us the statements were final."
Pritchard adjusted his spectacles.
"Because they are."
Loretta placed Thomas's statement beside her ledger.
"Then perhaps you can explain why he's been charged for fourteen meals when I served him six."
Pritchard stared at the page.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then he reached for it.
Loretta placed one hand over the paper.
"I'd like to keep my copy."
His expression changed.
Bram stepped forward.
"Give him the paper."
Loretta remained seated.
She looked toward Pritchard.
"You're welcome to examine it here."
Bram's jaw tightened.
Elias moved closer to the counter.
He didn't threaten anyone.
But his presence made the foreman hesitate.
Pritchard looked toward Elias.
"Who is this man?"
Loretta answered.
"A guest helping with the kitchen."
Bram laughed.
"More like a troublemaker."
Elias folded his arms.
"Depends what you call trouble."
Pritchard ignored him.
He looked back at Loretta.
"I understand the cookhouse's account is badly overdue."
She nodded.
"That's what you've told me."
He opened the portfolio.
Inside was a formal-looking statement describing the Copper Pot's alleged debt.
Nine hundred and twelve dollars.
Loretta stared at the amount.
Pritchard continued.
"Unless payment is made, the company intends to take possession of the kitchen equipment and terminate the current operating arrangement."
Several miners murmured.
Loretta felt her stomach tighten.
"On what authority?"
Pritchard looked offended.
"Excuse me?"
She took a breath.
"The widow's estate never transferred the building to the mining company. The kitchen has been operating under an arrangement that still requires settlement."
Pritchard's expression hardened.
"That isn't your concern."
Loretta looked directly at him.
"It is if you're threatening to take the equipment I use to earn my living."
For a moment, silence settled over the room.
Then Pritchard closed his portfolio.
"You have until Monday morning."
Loretta stared.
"That's tomorrow."
He smiled thinly.
"Then I suggest you find the money."